What Are Collagen Supplements?
The world of fitness, cosmetics, and orthopedics has been revolutionized by the introduction of collagen supplements, which are preparations that preserve the structural framework of our cells. Collagen peptides, or collagen supplements, as they are commonly called, are available now in the modern-day nutrition markets globally, both in powder and pill forms. These collagen supplements have gained tremendous popularity in the last two decades, especially in the wellness world, owing to their supportive benefits in maintaining the health of the hair, skin, and nails. Collagen is also essential in maintaining both gut and joint health. The use of collagen is common even in smoothies, teas, baked goods, and coffees.
What Are the Functions of Collagen?
Collagen, an abundant protein in the body, is crucial in providing structural support to various tissues. It comprises three major types of amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which contribute to its structural integrity. Connective tissues, the skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage all rely on collagen for their framework. Additionally, collagen has various functions, such as fighting cellular damage and aiding in tissue repair, making it essential for overall health and maintenance.
The production of collagen in the body is primarily carried out by fibroblast cells in connective tissues. However, as people age, there may be a decline in cellular communication and inter-cellular migration, both vital processes for tissue repair and maintenance. This natural physiological phenomenon can lead to a considerable slowdown in collagen production.
Furthermore, as people age, they may experience a loss of elastin, another structural protein responsible for maintaining skin and hair tone, further exacerbating the decrease in collagen production. Several lifestyle factors can also accelerate the loss of collagen. Factors like cigarette smoking, chronic alcoholism, and overexposure to the sun can contribute to this decline.
Dieticians and nutritionists often recommend consuming collagen-rich foods to support collagen levels naturally. These sources include chicken skin, fish skin, egg whites, legumes, nuts, bone broth, and other dietary options. By incorporating these foods into one's diet, individuals can help maintain healthy collagen levels.
What Are the Benefits of Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements, available in various forms like powder, capsules, or topicals, can be utilized to address aging-related concerns. These supplements are effective in preventing skin wrinkling, hydrating the skin, and alleviating joint pain. Most research on collagen supplements focuses on their positive impact on the skin. Consequently, many healthcare professionals, including physicians, dermatologists, alternative medicine practitioners, nutritionists, and other providers, may recommend collagen supplements, including collagen powders, to promote the effective healing of burns and wounds.
Hydrolyzed collagen supplements, in particular, have been studied extensively and have shown remarkable benefits. Regularly using these supplements led to improved skin tone, increased skin elasticity, enhanced skin hydration, and reduced wrinkles. Some collagen supplements also include hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for skin health, further contributing to the reduction of skin dryness and wrinkles.
Regarding joint and bone health, preclinical studies and global surveys indicate that collagen supplements are effective for skin health and show promise in addressing joint pain and bone density loss, particularly in aging individuals. These supplements have the potential to aid tissue repair and cellular regeneration, providing relief from joint discomfort. However, they may not have a significant impact on nail growth.
Why Should One Consult the Healthcare Professional?
It is always essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist before consuming or intaking collagen supplements into the daily diet. These supplements would potentially interact with certain systemic medications. These supplements may be unsafe to consume in pregnancy or lactation phases as the herbal extracts found within the collagen supplements or powders can interfere with prescribed medications in these individuals.
What Should One Know About the Labels?
While choosing a collagen supplement, one must look for the label if it is a third-party tested product. This is to ensure safety before consuming the product. Though the common third-party organizations do not test for product efficacy, these labels would indicate that the product has been tested for safety and is free from contamination.
Why Natural Collagen Is Recommended Through Diet?
Collagen supplements are not commonly recommended by nutritionists or health care providers because our bodies naturally produce collagen, which contains essential amino acids. Instead of relying on supplements, the best way to support the body's collagen production for maintaining skin, hair, and nail health is by ensuring an adequate intake of proteins in the diet. Leading nutrition experts agree that additional collagen consumption through supplements is unnecessary.
Sufficient protein can be obtained from various food sources like protein-rich chicken, fish, beans, eggs, legumes, and nuts daily. Moreover, promoting overall health, including skin, bone, joint, and hair growth, can be achieved by focusing on obtaining natural vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc through the diet itself.
While some individuals may choose to use collagen supplements or powders to increase their daily protein intake, it is not essential to do so. A well-balanced diet with the right protein sources and essential nutrients is generally enough to support overall health and well-being.
Conclusion:
To conclude, much more research-based evidence needs to be gathered regarding the regular use of collagen supplements. Unless an individual is suggested to use these supplements by the nutritionist or healthcare provider, or dermatologist, one can try obtaining natural collagen and essential vitamins and minerals from daily dietary sources vital to good health.
